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435 <br />(b) prior to, or concurrently with accepting title the City of be fur- <br />nished releases from all persons having an interest in the five lots <br />holding the City harmless for any liability for damages or claims <br />for damages arising out of either (1) the earth slippage and land subsidence <br />occuring to date; (2) City's operations in providing aid and assistance <br />during and subsequent to earth movement, and (3) any additional earth <br />slippage or land subsidence which might occur... <br />Council also signifying its willingness to execute a release of liability, re- <br />leasing the owners of each lot and the subdivision developer from liability for <br />City's costs and expenses incurred in connection with earth movement and grading <br />and shaping of the lots. <br />Councilman Granger asked Staff to state these lots would not be used for building <br />lots and what our liability might be as far as damages concerned. City Manager <br />stated not Staff's intention to recommend a restriction as to building as Staff <br />felt lots should not be tied to any conditions, although no forecast possible <br />at this point as to ultimate use. <br />The purpose at this point was to enable City to stabilize earth movement and <br />enter into agreement for purpose of protecting public interest of Nob Hill Road <br />and Farm Hill Boulevard. City Manager stated consideration of this proposal <br />had been discussed with City's insurance carrier, members of Council, and City <br />Attorney, concerning liability City might have at this time because of City's <br />positive action taken in the area, and if title taken to lots it may or may not <br />increase liability, but City could then enter to stabilize and reshape lots. <br />He advised it was his understanding that City was covered under general lia- <br />bility policy and also covered under the $100,000,000 "umbrella" insurance. <br />City Attorney advised on the extent of the City's liability. He advised insurance <br />coverage might differ if City were "land -owner" instead of "on -looker". He <br />will explore this aspect further. Councilman Henderson felt more assurance <br />should be given by City Attorney before acceptance of deeds to lots. City <br />Attorney advised if Council recognized all risks, nothing wrong with proceeding <br />with action proposed. <br />Councilman Henderson questioned effect if slide should extend to land adjacent <br />to this area, and status of disaster funds. City Manager stated it would depend <br />upon any action which might be taken against the City. <br />Mayor Herkner questioned liability still existing if City did not accept lots. <br />City Attorney advised a fair basis for this proposal for settlement had been <br />arrived at by all of attorneys involved being convinced that if individuals <br />started suits, more legal expenses would result than the value of all the five <br />houses put together. Councilman Henderson asked whether funds could be used from <br />storm drainage bond issue funds for resolving any of thisproblem. City Manager <br />advised this is in the bond district, but no funds had been allocated or planned <br />for this area; however, a small amount of money, originally $50,000 had been <br />reserved for spot drainage projects that could be picked up on an individual <br />